The Shivah: Kosher Edition (PC) Review

This is a Dave Gilbert game through and through. Those that have enjoyed 2006's The Blackwell Legacy through to 2014's conclusion, The Blackwell Epiphany, will spot that right from the start, in terms of the smart use of the Adventure Game Studio tool, graphical approach, clever hints system, intriguing 'search' function accessed via in-game computers, and the deep and oft-witty script work. All have his trademark 'touch of class.' Also, there are quite a few links to the Blackwell games evident, which obviously helps when drawing parallels! From series regular, Detective Sam Durkin - visiting this game's protagonist, Rabbi Russell Stone, at his synagogue to inform him that a former member of his congregation has not only been killed, but has also left him a substantial amount of money - right through to encountering a young lady in a seedy bar who is seemingly talking to herself (clearly speaking with Joey, the ghost partner from Blackwell) - after taking it upon himself to investigate the death; it all adds a great sense of familiarity to proceedings and makes gamers feel at home with The Shivah.

The actual title of this adventure - The Shivah: Kosher Edition - may put some off, but there is no need to be concerned as there are no hurdles for getting into what is basically a detective-style affair, except with a rabbi doing the honours, rather than someone from the police force or a Private Eye. There are obviously references related to Judaism slipped in that may go over the head of non-Jewish players, but that element is actually cleverly integrated into the puzzle formula at times, so again there is no brick wall hit if a specific Yiddish term is not known. This is a smart game that is accessible to all - as simple as that.

This is also quite the bite-sized romp, with it only taking seasoned fans of the genre a maximum of two hours to reach the end credits. Thankfully, though, it is so emotive and gripping throughout that it has that 'simply cannot be put down' feel to it and really does leave a great sense of satisfaction upon completion. For a price of just £3.99/€3.99/$4.99, as well, it is better value than some of the 'classics' being regurgitated by many developers nowadays without any real effort. Additionally, the process of visiting different locations (via a handy point-and-click map, rather than lots of aimless wandering), and interrogating people on the road to clearing Rabbi Stone's name, is laid out in such a way that various paths can be taken, each leading to a slightly alternative ending, with different achievements to unlock, as well, so there is plenty of replay value for a relatively small entry fee.

On top of the intelligent puzzles that rely on a good memory and logical thought, more than random item combinations, and the pleasing addition of a 'clues' bar where trails of thought can be combined in a similar fashion to the Logic mechanic in the Ace Attorney Investigations DS releases from Capcom, WadjetEye's adventure is helped along by the strong voice acting, something that also stood out during the playthrough of The Blackwell Legacy and its subsequent entries, with each actor conveying the purpose of the story perfectly, drawing those taking part deeper and deeper into the world. Being of a certain age, clearly there are some aspects that are not as polished as in newer point-and-click adventures, but there is so much that shines through - some very innovative fight scenes included - that even given its years, means that this is well worth dipping into.